magpel

Thanks for your reply, Lori. My postings' information is just what I was told, buy this gal. Another pateint asked if her health was fine, and she said yes, just going through menopause and added some weight. As for the airport - I beleive Fransico told me that he had a pickup at 12:30 or 1pm. He told me he sits in his car and watches DVD's until it's time to get them. I could suggest that there are 2 drivers, then. I had to sit in an airport from 10:15am until 4:11pm hours because someone else was arriving at 12:30 or 1pm. After surgery, it's not the most comfortable to be in an airport chair for 6 hours. I hope you can see my frusteration there. It was about 18 hours after surgery and I was spending the next 6 hours in the airport. Thanks for your reply. Much peace, Maggie

Hi folks, I thought I would share my experience, start to finish with the OCC, and the lap band. Arrived 2/14/08 Banded 2/15/08 Departed 2/17/08 I arrived at the airport just before 2pm, and Fransico was there to meet me. I was under the impression that I was going to the hotel, but Fransico told me that the Nutritionist was expecting me. He took me to the clinic, and I ended up having to wait 2 hours for the Nutrtitionist to get to the clinic. I was kind of upset - I thought she was there waiting for me, turns out I ended up waiting for her! She took me in her office and spent less than 5 minutes talking to me, going over the diet after surgery. All the info she gave me was already emailed to me. I feel like my time was really wasted. While I know they have a Nutrionist there to help guide us, I felt like it was all robotic. She was just running through what she tells everyone everytime they step into her office. I was a bit dissappointed. I finally was taken to my hotel, checked in and relaxed a while. I decided to get some soup at the resturant downstairs (it was yummy) and then come back to my room and jsut relax and prepare for the next morning. There was a group of us that were told to be ready and waiting in the lobby first thing in the morning - I think it was 8am or something like that. While waiting down there, I met a few other folks who were getting surgery too. I was so SHOCKED!!!!!! to meet a gal who was getting surgery that day (everyone there was SHOCKED - it wasn't just me). She was average height, and average weight. We all thought she was going to pick up a friend who had the surgery - she just did not fit the profile for Lap Band surgery. She told us that it took her a few weeks to convince them to give her the Lap Band. She was told NOT to do a pre op diet or anything. She told us that she wanted to loose the extra weight she gained during early menopause. I suspect she was about 5 feet 6 inches, or 7 inches and her weight - taking a guess was probably 145 or so. She was super nice and was really looking forward to loosing 35lbs. This also confused me! I get that if she's gained weight since menopause that she might be looking at herself much differnt - however while talking to us, she told us how much she loves to eat, and how hard it was going to be to give up her diet soda and other things. It seems like if she were to change her eating habits and drinking habits she might have some success loosing those few (not 35!) extra pounds she's added. --THIS is nothing against her - she was very nice - this rant is directed to the CLINIC. I was very dissappointed that they agreed to this surgery. This surgery is supposed to be for people who are OBESE, not those who need to shed 10lbs. The ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR ladies and gentlemen THE ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR!!! This was the most dissappointing thing, truely. Anyway - to continue - I ended up waiting in the waiting room for about 2 hours, with doing a fast dental check and a EKG. I was then taken to my room, got into my gown and stuff. I was given a pill for relaxation, and got my IV and all that. I think I waited another 2 hours (fell asleep) before it was 'my turn'. I met Dr. Ortiz - he's very nice. In recovery, I slept most of the day. I thought somone would wake me up to make me go walking - they keep saying all the walking you need to do after the surgery. I woke up 2 times after surgery. Once I had to use the restroom, so I thought I would walk a little. Then several hours later I woke up and did a few more laps. No one checked on me, either - which I thought was a bit strange! I wish they would be more aggressive with the after surgery care. I slept great that night. The next morning, I was told it was time to go, so I got up,dressed and then - haha - waited about another 2 hours (I could have been resting those two hours) before I was taken back to my hotel. I went shopping for about 1 hour, then back to the hotel and rested for the rest of the day/night. I thought that someone (nurse, doc, etc) would call and check on all of us - nobody did. I got a call from Dr. Ortiz's mom letting me know that I had to be ready at 9am the next morning for my transport to the airport, even though my flight wasn't until 4:11pm. They told me that it takes a few hours, minimum, to cross the boarder - and the only other time they offered was at 1pm, but she told me I would not make my plane. So I needed to take the 9am transport. I ended up being the only person going on that transport - which I thought was funny - they could not have taken me a few hours later -- knowing that no other patients were needing to get to the airport before my flight. So, I had to sit in the hotel from 10:15 am until my flight at 4:11pm - that's 6 hours!!!! Anyway, I'm home - it's been 6 days since my surgery. I'm doing pretty well. I'm sore on my left side (port side) but trying to take it easy. Yesterday was the first day I started to feel a little hungry, but then realized that I had not had enough to drink which is likely the cause. I made some homemade cream of mushroom soup and cream of broccoli/chicken soup last night. I look forward to enjoying that later today. All in all, I'm happy I had the surgery. I really just wish they had a tighter regiem of how things are done. AND I will never be ok with them doing surgery on people who just need to drop a few pounds. I feel that's abusing what the Lap Band was intended for. The entire staff IS very nice. I just wish they were more together - knowing that I was not walking - getting me up and walking. Instead of asking me if I've already had medication, they should have it charted what they've given me, when and who gave it to me. With a little effort, I beleive this clinic could run more more smoothly. Much Peace to you all, Maggie

Hi folks, I thought I would share my experience, start to finish with the OCC, and the lap band. Arrived 2/14/08 Banded 2/15/08 Departed 2/17/08 I arrived at the airport just before 2pm, and Fransico was there to meet me. I was under the impression that I was going to the hotel, but Fransico told me that the Nutritionist was expecting me. He took me to the clinic, and I ended up having to wait 2 hours for the Nutrtitionist to get to the clinic. I was kind of upset - I thought she was there waiting for me, turns out I ended up waiting for her! She took me in her office and spent less than 5 minutes talking to me, going over the diet after surgery. All the info she gave me was already emailed to me. I feel like my time was really wasted. While I know they have a Nutrionist there to help guide us, I felt like it was all robotic. She was just running through what she tells everyone everytime they step into her office. I was a bit dissappointed. I finally was taken to my hotel, checked in and relaxed a while. I decided to get some soup at the resturant downstairs (it was yummy) and then come back to my room and jsut relax and prepare for the next morning. There was a group of us that were told to be ready and waiting in the lobby first thing in the morning - I think it was 8am or something like that. While waiting down there, I met a few other folks who were getting surgery too. I was so SHOCKED!!!!!! to meet a gal who was getting surgery that day (everyone there was SHOCKED - it wasn't just me). She was average height, and average weight. We all thought she was going to pick up a friend who had the surgery - she just did not fit the profile for Lap Band surgery. She told us that it took her a few weeks to convince them to give her the Lap Band. She was told NOT to do a pre op diet or anything. She told us that she wanted to loose the extra weight she gained during early menopause. I suspect she was about 5 feet 6 inches, or 7 inches and her weight - taking a guess was probably 145 or so. She was super nice and was really looking forward to loosing 35lbs. This also confused me! I get that if she's gained weight since menopause that she might be looking at herself much differnt - however while talking to us, she told us how much she loves to eat, and how hard it was going to be to give up her diet soda and other things. It seems like if she were to change her eating habits and drinking habits she might have some success loosing those few (not 35!) extra pounds she's added. --THIS is nothing against her - she was very nice - this rant is directed to the CLINIC. I was very dissappointed that they agreed to this surgery. This surgery is supposed to be for people who are OBESE, not those who need to shed 10lbs. The ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR ladies and gentlemen THE ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR!!! This was the most dissappointing thing, truely. Anyway - to continue - I ended up waiting in the waiting room for about 2 hours, with doing a fast dental check and a EKG. I was then taken to my room, got into my gown and stuff. I was given a pill for relaxation, and got my IV and all that. I think I waited another 2 hours (fell asleep) before it was 'my turn'. I met Dr. Ortiz - he's very nice. In recovery, I slept most of the day. I thought somone would wake me up to make me go walking - they keep saying all the walking you need to do after the surgery. I woke up 2 times after surgery. Once I had to use the restroom, so I thought I would walk a little. Then several hours later I woke up and did a few more laps. No one checked on me, either - which I thought was a bit strange! I wish they would be more aggressive with the after surgery care. I slept great that night. The next morning, I was told it was time to go, so I got up,dressed and then - haha - waited about another 2 hours (I could have been resting those two hours) before I was taken back to my hotel. I went shopping for about 1 hour, then back to the hotel and rested for the rest of the day/night. I thought that someone (nurse, doc, etc) would call and check on all of us - nobody did. I got a call from Dr. Ortiz's mom letting me know that I had to be ready at 9am the next morning for my transport to the airport, even though my flight wasn't until 4:11pm. They told me that it takes a few hours, minimum, to cross the boarder - and the only other time they offered was at 1pm, but she told me I would not make my plane. So I needed to take the 9am transport. I ended up being the only person going on that transport - which I thought was funny - they could not have taken me a few hours later -- knowing that no other patients were needing to get to the airport before my flight. So, I had to sit in the hotel from 10:15 am until my flight at 4:11pm - that's 6 hours!!!! Anyway, I'm home - it's been 6 days since my surgery. I'm doing pretty well. I'm sore on my left side (port side) but trying to take it easy. Yesterday was the first day I started to feel a little hungry, but then realized that I had not had enough to drink which is likely the cause. I made some homemade cream of mushroom soup and cream of broccoli/chicken soup last night. I look forward to enjoying that later today. All in all, I'm happy I had the surgery. I really just wish they had a tighter regiem of how things are done. AND I will never be ok with them doing surgery on people who just need to drop a few pounds. I feel that's abusing what the Lap Band was intended for. The entire staff IS very nice. I just wish they were more together - knowing that I was not walking - getting me up and walking. Instead of asking me if I've already had medication, they should have it charted what they've given me, when and who gave it to me. With a little effort, I beleive this clinic could run more more smoothly. Much Peace to you all, Maggie

Hi there, I'll add to what everyone is saying - I was just banded on Feb 15th. Everything went smoothly for me, too. I would only suggest that flying home you might wanna splure and go first class. It made all the diffence in the world to me. I was only flying back to Seattle which is under 3 hours, but had to go pee like 10 times. It was so nice to have much more room to pass alongside my seatmate,and it's great to get all the free juice, tea or coffee at the drop of a hat! I took a taxi down to Revelution Ave for some shopping (I was by myself), and found a nice police officer to assist me in getting a cab for the right price ($5) on the way home. I also brought my own powdered chicken broth with me, so I was able to drink as much as I wanted in my room the next day, or ask for hot water on the plane and mix it. I think they charge like $5 for a bowl of broth at the hotel.

I arrive on the 14th, and banding on the 15th! Maybe we can all visit and share our experiences over a cup of broth - haha! I'm also getting my teeth whitened, while there - it's so much cheaper than the states! I head back home (WA State) on the 17th. Hope to find some ladies to hang with. I am also going alone, and I know my husband is worried about it me. Let's connect! Much Peace, Maggie

Hi there. I'm not even banded yet (Feb 15th is my day), but wanted to chime in. What about trying to blend silken tofu with a diet shake, or any kind of broth? I will blend smooth, and will give you plenty of protien, and fill you up. It is good, too! :-) I make homemade baby food, and that's a good one. You can even add some basmati rice (cooked) and it will come out in a great blend, and super filling. I hope you get to feeling better soon. I know I'm sure I'll go through a state like this, too - I hope it goes fast. Much Peace, Maggie

Hi there. I'm from WA, too. My surgery is on Feb 15th, I arrive on the 14, and leave on the 17th. I love the idea of keep in touch with other folks in WA State. Good Luck to us all! Much Peace, Maggie

While I have yet to get my band, I can answer most your questions just from the reading I've done. With encouragement I would suggest that you do some of your own research on the Lap Band. All of your questions can be answered on the Obesity Control Center website. I believe people need to do their own research, and then come back and ask certain questions. This is about YOU, and you should be the one researching what's best for your body. I say this with encouragement, not a sharp tone. I did all the research I felt I needed before I came on these boards. I think it's such an important decision and if you aren't willing to take the time to do the research then maybe you are not ready for the Band. I'm being banded on the 15th Feb, and am completely ready. Have read all I needed, and phoned in with any addtional questions I had. I encourge you to do the same. Best of luck to you. Much peace, Maggie

Hey Nicole, I'm leaving for surgery on the 14th, and have been making my 'to bring' list. To add to your list, you might want to bring a travel mug and a few bags of your favorite tea. This will be great for middle of the night, and especially the flight home. Good Luck on your journey, and if you have time, we'd love to hear about your travels and experiences. Much peace, Maggie

I felt like Oprah was interviewing these kids and parents to get as much information as she could for her personal self. Almost like she wanted to know all about it from people who've had it done, because she wants to get it done, and wants first hand account on how everything went. At the same time, she's trying so hard to discount it and wants them to say something bad about it. She looks almost uncomfortable hearing all the postitve feedback from these kids and their parents. Dr. Oz - we'll let's just be kind and leave him out of it. He spoke out of his knowledge and we can leave it at that. I admit I'm surprised the see Oprah trying so hard to make these kids say something that's not there. I think she may relate to these kids and have a bit of envy. She's struggled with her weight forever and is having such a hard time with it. I beleive she's tried everything she can - looking deep into self exploration, liquid diet, trainer, personal chef - and she always puts the weight back on. It might sting a little to see these kids having lost and keeping the weight off. In any event - I love Oprah - I beleive she is a spirited women of purpose and is still on her own journey with her weight. Cassie - honey - you are very sweet! You, and the other kids did a great job. Live you life and love your life. Much Peace, Maggie Being banded on 2/15/08

Karen, Maybe we'll be able to do some shopping together. I arrive in the afternoon of the 14th. I hear we can even have a meal the night before surgery ---

Thanks gals! I'm so excited to get banded - the pre-op diet is a bit hard. I'm feeling nausous periodically from hunger. I hope it gets a ilttle easier. - I'm sure it will, but right now I'm not enjoying this very much. All for the greater good, right. I live in Newcastle - Arlington, Auburn or Olympia are the contenders. I'll check Auburn out first - it's seems to be the closest. I may even pack up the family and get my first fill in Mexico - we'll enjoy Lego Land and the Zoo - pop into mexico for an afternoon to get a fill. Peace, Maggie

Good Luck!! I'm having my band on Feb 15th. I'm starting my pre-op diet now, and hope the days go by fast. I know I'll be hungry! Please keep us updated on how things go! Cheers!

Cassie, This is so great! I truely hope she is not 'tough' on you with her questions, or make you doubt your choices. I think you love yourself enough to take care of yourself the best way you know how. Remember that when you are in Chicago! The lap band was the right choice for you. It might not be the right choice for everyone - this is why they call it a choice. I am choosing to have the lap band surgery on feb 15th. This is my choice, and it's the best choice for me. I won't let anyone tell me what to do with my body. Good Luck! PS - I'm from Chicago - you'll just love it - I hope you get time to have fun while your there. There's lots of great shopping very close to her studios! Peace, Maggie

I'm going to be there on the 14th - Happy Valentines Day to me! I get banded on the 15th. I'd love to meet up with anyone else who will be there for a drink -- haha! I'm going by myself - husband home with kids. I'm hoping to get some shopping in too. Anyone else? Peace, Maggie

Hi there. I'm getting banded on Feb 15th, and have been wondering if Slim Fast and Homemade Broth would be a fine substitute for Optifast. It's mostly about the savings and convience. I can stop in any market and pick up a Slim Fast, and I have been making my own Broth for years, so that's always easy. Anyway, I thought I would check and see. Thanks. Peace, Maggie

Congrats!!! I'm paying myself, and will be banded on Feb 15th! I'm so excited - just counting down the days! Peace, Maggie

Hi there. I'm scheduled for Feb 15th, 2008. Anyone else? I arrive on the 14th and leave on the 17th. I'm hoping to get some shopping in, too. Anyone else on the 15th? Peace, Maggie

Hi There. I'm getting banded on Feb 15th, and also live in WA State. Abouts where do you live? Where do you get your fill? I'd love to get a good referal from somone in my area. Many thanks! Peace, Maggie

I hope she has a good open mind on this. After all, the struggle with her out weight has been huge for her. Maybe she'll consider it, herself. Anyhoo, I've scheduled my band for Feb 15th - and I suspect they might get really busy from the Oprah press. I think most people discount Mexico for things such as this - I did until I did the research - but I think that some might start to discover that this is a great place to have it done. I'm happy I get a date scheduled before the show airs! I think they'll get super busy once it's on Oprah. Good Thoughts! Peace, Maggie

Hi there. Anyone else set to have their surgery on Feb 15th? I'll be there on on the 14th - I arrive in the early afternoon, surgery on the 15th. I'm hoping to do a little shopping on the 14th, or on the 16th. Anyone interested? Peace, Maggie